Trump and Xi to Meet at APEC Summit, Talks May Shape Future of TikTok, Trade, and U.S.–China Relations

What Happened

President Trump has announced that he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC Summit in South Korea next month. The meeting will be their first face-to-face interaction since Trump returned to office. According to the White House, the two leaders recently spoke by phone, discussing a range of topics including trade relations, technology, and national security.

The conversation reportedly included TikTok, the widely used social media platform that has faced regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. over data privacy and Chinese ownership. Trump indicated that a deal could be in the works to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. under new terms, possibly involving changes to ownership or data control.

The two sides also agreed in principle to schedule reciprocal visits. Trump would travel to China in early 2026, while Xi would visit the U.S. at a later date, pending the outcome of ongoing negotiations and planning.

Why It Matters

The meeting comes at a critical moment in U.S.–China relations, as tensions remain high over trade, technology, cybersecurity, and military presence in the Pacific. A direct dialogue between the two leaders points to a possible shift toward more structured engagement after years of competitive rhetoric and policy standoffs.

Any agreement on TikTok would carry both political and economic weight. The app is used by more than 100 million Americans, and its fate has become a flashpoint in debates over data security and foreign influence. A negotiated solution could set a precedent for how other Chinese-owned tech companies are treated in the U.S. moving forward.

Trade discussions are also likely to be central, as tariffs, export controls, and supply chain issues continue to affect industries from agriculture to electronics. Trump’s prior tariffs on Chinese goods remain in place. Any new developments could impact pricing, product availability, and business operations on both sides of the Pacific.

This meeting also reflects efforts to ease diplomatic friction and reduce the risk of miscalculation in areas like Taiwan, the South China Sea, and cybersecurity. While no major breakthroughs are expected immediately, face-to-face dialogue allows for clearer communication than press releases or intermediaries.

How It Affects You

If a deal is reached on TikTok, the platform would likely remain available in the U.S., though under stricter data security standards or new ownership structures. For users and content creators, that would preserve access to a platform central to digital culture, communication, and business.

Changes in trade policy could affect prices on a wide range of goods, from electronics to groceries. If tariffs are reduced or supply chains are stabilized, consumers may see more consistent pricing and better availability.

A more stable U.S.–China relationship could also ease market volatility, improve conditions for American businesses abroad, and reduce uncertainty around travel, tech exports, and global security.